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The Neumann Law Group is a respected personal injury law firm with a presence in Michigan, Massachusetts, and California. While we recognize that all accident victims share some things in common, there are also differences in the challenges victims face depending on where they live. For example, certain types of vehicle accidents may be more common in your area, or differences in state laws may preclude certain types of claims. Thus, it is imperative to stay up-to-date and informed on developments in your state’s personal injury laws.
Along these lines, the Neumann Law Group frequently posts relevant updates for residents of Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York through three distinct blogs.
What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
A personal injury lawsuit is a legal dispute that arises when one person is injured as a result of an accident or injury that was caused by another party’s negligent or intentional conduct. Filing a personal injury lawsuit involves the plaintiff (the injured party) filing a complaint against a defendant (the responsible person or business), alleging that the defendant’s actions or negligence caused their injuries. The defendant must then respond to the complaint.
If the plaintiff is successful, they may receive compensation for injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to compensate the injured party and deter others from exhibiting negligent conduct in the future.
In most personal injury cases, the defendant’s insurance company is the party who handles the claim because, at the end of the day, the insurance company will be the one writing the check to the accident victim. However, insurance companies hire teams of highly skilled lawyers to defend these cases, making it imperative for accident victims to retain a dedicated personal injury lawyer to represent them through the proceedings.
Damages in a Personal Injury Claim
Every state is responsible for creating its own personal injury laws. Thus, the damages that are available through a personal injury claim in one state can vary significantly from those available in other states. However, as a general rule, the following types of damages may be available to successful accident victims:
Economic Damages: Also known as special damages, these are quantifiable financial losses resulting from the injury. They include medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages due to time off work, loss of earning capacity if the injury affects the person’s ability to work in the future, and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury, such as rehabilitation costs or property damage.
Non-Economic Damages: Known as general damages, these are more subjective and not easily quantifiable. They compensate for non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium (impact on the relationship with a spouse), and physical impairment or disfigurement. These damages are significant as they acknowledge the broader impact of an injury on an individual’s life.
Punitive Damages: Unlike the first two types, punitive damages are not intended to compensate the injured party but to punish the defendant for particularly harmful behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were especially reckless or malicious.
Of course, it is important to speak with a local personal injury lawyer in your state to determine what damages may be available in your case.
Speak with a Knowledgeable Injury Lawyer to Learn More About Your Rights
To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, give the personal injury lawyers at the Neumann Law Group a call at 800-525-6386. You can also connect with us through our online contact form. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless and until we can connect you with the compensation you deserve.